5 Myths Employees Believe About Facebook

Business owners must assume that their employees are using Facebook while on the job.

Business owners must assume that their employees are using Facebook while on the job.

Social media is not the problem. Bad judgment might be, however. With that said, as a business owner or employee, you ought to address the following five myths that many employees believe.

It’s protected under freedom of speech: Employees must understand that the First Amendment does not apply in the private workplace.

I can post whatever I want away from work: Firing employees for unsettling speech made outside of the workplace is usually legal.

I’m covered by the right to privacy: The right to privacy is different, and much more limited, in the workplace.

I only told the truth: If it harms the company, the truth of what was said may not matter.

There are no rules: Some employees believe they can do and say whatever they want without consequences. The truth is the social media community knows what everyone is up to. You’re better off following the rules of your employer and follow social media etiquette.